WASHINGTON — Two District of Columbia neighborhoods have been included on a list of the nation’s best communities for the arts.

Mayor Vincent Gray’s office announced Monday that the Adams Morgan and U Street neighborhoods in northwest Washington have been recognized by ArtPlace, an initiative that awards grants and loans to creative groups.

ArtPlace selected the two district neighborhoods for its list of “America’s Top 12 ArtPlaces.” The group recognizes communities with a mix of artistic venues, businesses, restaurants and a walkable lifestyle. Neighborhoods in 11 other cities also received the distinction.

D.C. Office of Planning Director Harriet Tregoning says the distinction is a credit to the city’s cultivation of “vibrant and talent-filled neighborhoods.”